Hangout, Imagine, Kerrville, more rregional music fests | Entertainment/Life

Kick back in a hammock grotto before grabbing a frozen cocktail at the nearest beach club. Then, take a spin at the roller disco. Just be sure to leave time to snag a prime spot at the mainstage for blockbuster acts like Lil Nas X, Paramore and the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

The beachside blowout Hangout Fest kicks off in nearby Gulf Shores, Alabama, next week — just in time to appease south Louisianans jonesing for their next fest fix. It’s one of several events across the southeast that promise top-tier talent, unique experiences and parties that go way beyond the standard concert.

From folk tune magic around Texas campfires to epic art-and-EDM mashups outside of Atlanta, this summer offers music lovers plenty of fests worth road-tripping for.

Hangout Fest, May 19-21

Gulf Shores, Alabama (3+ hour drive)

Size: 40,000 daily attendees

Cost: from $349, three-day admission only

The largest music festival in Alabama has stuck the landing on location.

“It’s a festival on a big, beautiful beach,” said Reeves Price, a vice president of AEG Presents’ Gulf Coast Region, previously of Buku fame. “You can jam in the sand with friends right next to the water and see some of the biggest names in rock, pop and dance music.”

Backed by the same company that produces Coachella, expect a similarly youthful vibe and Tik Tok-worthy aesthetic. In addition to music at six stages, concertgoers can play in the waves, snag a cabana, make s’mores as the sun sets and get married at an on-site chapel. VIPs enjoy stage-side pools.

Pro tip: Parking at the beach is all but impossible. Opt for a $70 weekend-long shuttle ticket or on-site bike parking.

Kerrville Folk Festival, May 25 – June 11

Kerrville, Texas (7.5+ hour drive)

Size: 30,000 attendees over 18 days

Cost: daily admission from $32

Folk aficionados have flocked to this fest in the picturesque Texas Hill Country for more than a half century. Known simply as “Kerrville” to devotees, it regularly attracts genre superstars. Among 2023 headliners is Tony and Grammy Award-winning creator of Broadway’s Hadestown, Anaïs Mitchell, who’ll take to the main stage May 27.

Workshops in harmonica, ukulele, songwriting and more fill the days. And midnight shows at the Moontower acoustic stage eek into the wee hours.

But the fest’s most beloved feature remains unscheduled. Many say the campgrounds are the best part of Kerrville, thanks to intimate and impromptu campfire performances by visiting talent.

“It’s like a little village of music,” said Shannon Holt, who handles fest marketing. “That’s the magic of Kerrville.”

Rock the South, July 20-22

Cullman, Alabama (5.5+ hour drive)

Size: Around 65,000 over three days

Cost: From $210, three-day admission only

Panama City Beach’s Gulf Coast Jam, may be sold out. But a little farther afield, the boots-n-belt buckles crowd can enjoy Tennessee Whiskey crooner Chris Stapleton headlining among a mix of rising country stars and old-school acts at Rock the South.

Billed as the “biggest party in the south,” this three-day fest was born out of a scenario familiar to many Louisianans: Rebounding from a natural disaster. In 2011 tornadoes tore through state. Since then, the fest has donated more than $700,000 to the community.

Recent fest additions include improvements to RV and car camping areas and giant LED screens around the stage. Pro tip: Don’t sleep on the stellar Alabama barbecue from local vendors.

W.C. Handy Music Festival, July 21-30

Florence, Alabama (6.5+ hour drive)

Size: 40,000 visitors over 7 days

Cost: Free

Celebrate a legendary blues great in the “Hit Recording Capital of the World” during a weeklong fest that turns main streets, restaurants, parks, libraries and more into live music venues.

Spread out over four cities known collectively as The Shoals — Florence, Tuscumbia, Muscle Shoals and Sheffield — one of the nation’s largest free festivals takes its name from native blues composer and musician William Chris Handy. But visitors will also find regional rock and country performers among the 200-plus acts, not to mention plenty of time to geek out at the fabled FAME and Muscle Shoals recording studios.

Start in charming downtown Florence and meander from there.

“Anywhere that can host live music usually does,” said Tyler Dolan, visitors bureau sales manager. “It’s pretty much everywhere.”

Imagine Music Festival, Sept. 14-17

Kingston Downs, Georgia (7+ hour drive)

Size: 30,000 attendees per day

Cost: $269, three-day admission

The byword for this fest set on 5,000 lush acres along the Etowah River is “immersive.”

More than 100 artists envelope concertgoers in house, techno, trance, dubstep and more from four nature-themed stages. Larger-than-life art installations shoot flames or radiate lasers as new artwork is crafted in real-time. And robust self-enrichment programming from yoga and Reiki sessions to workshops on bending reality using quantum manifestation come mixed in with afternoon pool parties and other fun.

“We want our guests to walk away with an amazingly positive experience that inspires them to use their imagination and follow their dreams,” said Madeleine Goodhand, Imagine’s owner and president.

The remote setting northwest of Atlanta makes RV or tent camping on-site the smart option.